Comics

Marvel Premiere, Alice Cooper

1979, Marvel Comics

This is the first comic to feature Alice Cooper and was released in 1979. The comic is loosely based on the From The Inside album, which was released a year earlier and sees Alice (complete with snake) checking in to the clinic to help him overcome the effects of travelling, recording, writing, drinking and playing golf with celebrities!

 

The comic also includes a biography on both Alice and the original band which ends with calls for fans to let Marvel know if they should proceed with a regular series. This never happened so this comic essential acts as a pilot release.

 

Alice's character looks like a cross between the man himself and someone from a Beano or Dandy comic, he also appears to sporting a six-pack!

Rock N Roll Comics, Alice Cooper

1990, Revolutionary Comics

The second comic to feature Alice Cooper was released in 1990. This was an unofficial release and was essentially a diagrammatic biography of Alice's career. It starts with the formation of The Earwigs, through the Group's success to the breakup then on through the solo years as far as Trash. Overall, it's nicely presented and provides a reasonably accurate account of the history (the breakup all seems rather amicable though, with a hand shake pictured).

 

This copy is signed by Steven Goupil and Sean Konot who are credited as the artist and letterer respectively.

The Last Temptation, Book I

1994, Marvel Music, 759606 015702 00111

In 1994, Alice's The Last Temptation album was accompanied by a series of three comics written by Neil Gaiman and drawn by Michael Zulli. The initial album release came bundled with Book I, 'Bad Place Alone' (each book was named after a track from the album) with the cover reflecting that of the album. A 'Direct Edition' was also released for sale in comic stores, this was essentially the same but with an alternative front and back cover (see images below). 

 

The storylines of the comics follow a similar theme to the album (e.g. temptation), this makes for a great experience if read directly before or after listening to the album. The illustrations by Michael Zulli are excellent with Alice (who is referred to simply as 'The Showman') and the other characters, which include a child called Steven (ring any bells?), depicted in a dark, menacing, manner. The idea to use a comic to accompany the album was a fresh and contemporary idea, much like the album itself. 

 

Promotional Text:

 

A mysterious theatre appears from nowhere; a sinister Showman entices Steven inside, and shows him some theatrical entertainments. The Showman claims that the show is free. Steven is beginning to suspect that there may have been some kind of price after all...

The Last Temptation, Book II

1994, Marvel Music, 759606 100828 00211

Book II is titled 'Unholy War' and continues the story from Book I. It was available from comic stores a month or so after the release of The Last Temptation album.

 

Promotional Text:

 

Yesterday Steven discovered a theatre which hadn't been there before and met The Showman and his strange troupe. Last night he dreamed of an angel, and of The Showman, who repeated his offer; he wants Steven to join his troupe. Steven's day at school was haunted by the mysterious Showman; now it's after school on Halloween and Steven has decided to return to the theatre.

The Last Temptation, Book III

1994, Marvel Music, 759606 015702 00311

Book III is titled 'Cleansed By Fire' and continues the story from Book II. It was available from comic stores a month or so after the release of Book II.

 

Promotional Text:

 

In Book III we return to the theatre. We learn a little history, watch a little pain, find no mercy and pray with Steven that The Showman's world can be Cleaned By Fire.

The Compleat Alice Cooper

1995, Marvel Music, ISBN# 0-7851-0119-5

The Compleat Alice Cooper was released in 1995 and incorporates all three original comics in a paperback book. Also included is a three page foreword by writer Neil Gaiman, single page biographies for Neil Gaiman, artist Michael Zulli and cover artist Dave McKean, a three page biography for Alice Cooper, plus a copy of a handwritten note by Alice (also dated 1995).

 

The paper used is good quality and the original artwork is nicely remastered, with it now being slightly richer than before and with additional colouring touches throughout (see picture below). The only downside is that some of the images are now a little darker with some of the detail of the previous comics now reduced.

 

This was an essential purchase at the time but has now been surpassed by subsequent hardback re-issues (see below).

The Last Temptation Collection

2000, Dark Horse, ISBN 1-84023-272-2

In 2000 Dark Horse released a paperback compilation of all three of The Last Temptation comics complete with the Neil Gaiman introduction from The Compleat Alice Cooper (above). Rather disappointingly, the comics feature the original (uncoloured) inked art, which in my opinion really takes away the special feel of the original comics. The paper used isn't particularly nice either, resulting in a rather poor overall experience.

The Last Temptation Collection

2005, Dark Horse, ISBN 1-59307-414-X

In 2005 a slightly larger hardback version of The Last Temptation Collection was released by Dark Horse. Although practically identical to the paperback version, this is printed on much nicer paper. Again though, all the images are presented in black and white.

 

Neither of the Black Horse releases are essential items given the other, superior, versions available of these comics.

The Last Temptation, 20th Anniversary Standard Edition

2014, Dynamite, ISBN 978-1-606-90536-4

In 2014, 20 years after the original releases, Dynamite produced their own 165-page compilation of The Last Temptation comic books. This is a great hardback product, printed on glossy paper, which oozes class throughout.  

 

Included within are the newly remastered and coloured images and the introduction by Neil Gaiman that featured in The Compleat Alice Cooper (above). Also provided is a copy of the original written pitch sent by Neil Gaiman to Alice Cooper, original scripts, a cover gallery and an afterword by Michael Zulli featuring a new piece of art specially created for this edition.

 

Make no mistake, this is the definitive copy to have!

The Last Temptation, 20th Anniversary Signed Edition

2014, Dynamite, ISBN 978-1-606-90544-9

In addition to The Last Temptation 20th Anniversary Standard Edition (above), a special 'Signed Edition' was released with just 250 copies produced. This is exactly the same as the Standard Edition with the exception of an additional page featuring the hand-signed autographs of Neil Gaiman, Michael Zulli and Alice Cooper. The only other change is that it is marked as the 'Signed Edition' on the back cover.

The Last Temptation, 20th Anniversary Signed & Remarked Edition 2015, Dynamite, ISBN 978-1-606-90608-8

This further 'Signed & Remarked Edition' of The Last Temptation 20th Anniversary book was released in 2015, with just 200 copies produced. It is exactly the same as the 'Signed Edition' (above) only this time the additional page features the hand-signed autographs of Neil Gaiman and Michael Zulli only (and not Alice Cooper).  

 

In place of an Alice autograph though, the owner receives a custom piece of artwork which is personally remarked by Michael Zulli. This is a terrific touch and makes for a very special release. The only other change is again that it is marked as the 'Signed & Remarked Edition' on the back cover.

 

In addition to my copy, I have provided a few examples of fans' other custom remarked artwork.

Simpsons Comics #124

2006, Bongo Comics Group

Despite his personal love for the TV show, Alice has never appeared in it. However, he has featured in a comic book devoted to The Simpsons. Issue #124 was released in October 2006 and also includes stories featuring Gene Simmons (from KISS) and Rob Zombie.  

 

The story around Alice is called 'The Legend Of Batterface' and sees an evil version of Homer 'batter' Alice to death with 13 doughnuts! Alice also features on the cover art, which is replicated as a centrefold poster.

Orbit Alice Cooper

2014, Bluewater Comics

In 2014, Bluewater Comics released an unofficial comic which, similar to the 1990 offering by Revolutionary Comics, was essentially a biography of Alice's career. Alice is drawn in a less menacing looking fashion than in some of his other comic-based adventures, furthermore the story also explores areas of his personal life with Alice even dishing out some life coaching to the kids that the story centres around. Overall, it's not a bad comic but far from essential.

 

Issue 1 (the only one to date) was available with 3 different covers. Cover A (which cost about $4) features a drawing of a modern day Alice, complete with snake, under attack by skeletons.  

 

Also available was Cover B, a 'Comic Flea Market Exclusive' (which cost about $6) and features a drawing of Alice with his fists clenched and snake wrapped around him.

 

Finally, Cover C was a 'Comic Flea Market Limited Edition' (which cost around $10) and features a drawing of Alice with eyes closed and arms held out either side of him. This was limited to just 100 copies with the issue number printed on the inside of the front cover (mine is number 12). 

 

Promotion Text:

 

Alice Cooper is a man, a band, and an idea that took on a life of its own, a voice for shock and glitter rockers whose influence created stars like Marilyn Manson and KISS. Behind the paint, the boa constrictors, and the staged executions is a man...

Alice Cooper, Issue One

2014, Dynamite, 725130 220462 010 (11 and 21) 

In 2014 Dynamite launched a monthly comic book series, simply titled 'Alice Cooper', which featured stories centred around Alice.  

 

As seems to be the way these days, various different versions of the same product were made available to purchase. As a minimum, the 'Main Cover' version of each issue could be purchased in 'Virgin Cover' format for a whopping $50 (the standard version was just $3.99). This essentially meant getting the same background art on the front cover but with no titles or banners etc. Other than that, I believe they were exactly the same.  

 

If that wasn't expensive enough, you could also buy the 'Gold Elite Edition' of each issue, which was the Virgin Cover version complete with Alice's autograph and certificate of authenticity for $200!  Production numbers were limited to just 40 copies for Issue #1 (and presumably also the other issues).

 

Issue #1 had two different covers (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions), the Main Cover featuring a rather crude looking sketch of Alice with a snake wrapped around him, and the 'Photo Incentive Cover' featuring a nice concert photo from mid-80's. I managed to pick up a cheap(ish) Virgin Art cover version of this one on eBay.

 

The comics are nicely presented (in vivid colours and on glossy paper) with Alice appearing similar to how he did in The Last Temptation series. There is certainly an adult edge to them with women often appearing in various stages of undress and the occasional profanity included. 

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

The X-Files' Joe Harris takes on The Prince of Darkness - Alice Cooper in his FIRST ongoing comic series! Rock n' roll legend Alice Cooper was never a stranger to the mystic and the macabre. His stage shows were the stuff of legend, featuring snakes and pyrotechnics and the invocation of dark themes and darker forces.

 

But while he was a legend in the waking world, few knew his role as "The Lord of Nightmares" beyond it, where he watched over us while we dreamed, and delivered horrors unto the deserving. Only someone took it all away from him, cast him out of his realm and locked him away... until now. And if he's going to reclaim his dark throne, he's going to need all the help he can get!

Alice Cooper, Issue Two

2014, Dynamite, 725130 220462 020 (11, 21 and 41)

This issue had three different covers (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions), the Main Cover version features another rather crude looking sketch of Alice, the Incentive Cover a colour drawing of Alice in concert and the 'Rare B&W Art Cover' a black and white version of the Incentive Cover.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

Alice Cooper has escaped the dark clutches of Lucius Black only to find himself in thrall to a new master. But if the "Lord of All Nightmares" hopes to ever control his own destiny and restore his shock n' roll legacy, he'll have to put some more bullies in their place first.

Alice Cooper, Issue Three

2014, Dynamite, 725130 220462 03011

This issue is the first not to feature an alternative cover (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions). The cover features a nice hand drawn image of Alice.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

The Lord of All Nightmares has returned to his realm. But the demonic Andronicus Black and Clan Black aren't backing off, looking to drag their 'client' back into the fold by any means necessary.

Alice Cooper, Issue Four

2014, Dynamite, 725130 220462 04011

This issue also features no alternative cover (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions). The cover features an inverted image of Alice's face. 

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

Alice Cooper has broken free from his bondage and worked hard to reconsolidate his power. But when the Nightmares in his realm begin following a new Lord who walks among them, can an old rock n' roller survive? Over-the-top shock and worst nightmares collide in the penultimate chapter of our first arc!

Alice Cooper, Issue Five

2015, Dynamite, 725130 220462 05011

This issue also features no alternative cover (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions). The cover features a rather bizarre hand-drawn image of Alice's face.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

As friends, fans, demons and derelicts gather for his big "comeback" show, Alice Cooper prepares his final vengeance against Clan Black. The first rocking, shocking story arc concludes... and there will be casualties.

Alice Cooper, Issue Six

2015, Dynamite, 725130 220462 06011

The final issue in the series features no alternative cover (excluding the Virgin Art and Gold Elite versions). The cover depicts a tortured image of Alice. I managed to pick up a cheap(ish) Virgin Art cover version of this one on eBay.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

"LIFE AND DEATH OF THE PARTY" - Alice Cooper, the Nightmare Lord, has reclaimed the seat of power in his own dark realm. it's time to celebrate with a full-on tour of the weird dreamworld that our hero calls home...but there's something sinister lurking in the shadows. Who is Doubting Thomas, and what does he want with Alice? it's a done-in-one tale of terror!

Alice Cooper, Volume 1: Welcome To My Nightmare Standard Edition

2015, Dynamite, 97810606 906927 52499

This nice hardback release features all six of the 'Alice Cooper' comic books (above) plus some bonus material. Each edition is started by the original 'Virgin Art' cover with the following material the same as the original releases (minus the adverts). I'm not quite sure why the 'Welcome To My Nightmare' title was added, or why it's titled 'Volume 1' but maybe we'll find out in the future (edit: all become clear in 2023 as outlined below)! 

 

The bonus material is prints of the alternative 'Incentive covers' for issues one and two (the coloured one) plus a reproduction of the 1979 Marvel comic

 

Dynamite Promotional Text:

 

Rock n' roll legend Alice Cooper has never been a stranger to the mystic and the macabre. His stage shows were the stuff of legend, featuring snakes and pyrotechnics, the invocation of dark themes and darker forces. But while he was a legend in the waking world, few knew his service as "The Lord of Nightmares" beyond it, where he watched over us while we dreamed, and delivered horrors unto the deserving. Only someone took it all away from him, cast him out of his realm, and locked him away. No longer enslaved to the Clan Black, Alice Cooper will reclaim his dark throne at all costs. All hail the Godfather of Shock Rock! This mind-bending collection includes the complete six-issue Dynamite comic book series, plus Alice Cooper's first-ever comic book appearance from Marvel Premiere #50, featuring the creative talents of Alice Cooper, Jim Salicrup, Roger L. Stern, Ed J. Hannigan, and Tom F. Sutton, fully remastered!

Alice Cooper, Volume 1: Welcome To My Nightmare Signed Edition

2015, Dynamite, 97810606 907542 58999

In addition to the Standard Edition (above), a very limited Signed Edition was also released. The Signed Edition is exactly the same as the Standard Edition with the exception of an additional page featuring the hand-signed autograph of Alice Cooper. The only other change is that a new barcode sticker is present on the back. This copy was purchased from Forbidden Planet so it also has one of their 'Signed' stickers on the front.

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue One

2015, Dynamite, 725130 239242 010 (11, 21, 31, 51 and 61)

In 2015, Dynamite released a further comic book series featuring Alice Cooper. This series was subject to six editions and, as with the previous series, saw a number of different covers offered.

 

Issue one could be found in six different covers, these were as follows:

 

1. Main Cover (01011);

2. Virgin Art Cover (01041);

3. Black and White Incentive Cover (01031);

4. Blank Authentix Cover (01021);

5. Baltimore Comic-Con Exclusive Photo Cover (01051); and

6. New York Comic-Con Exclusive Photo Cover (01061).

 

I have all of the above except the Virgin Art Cover, as just like the previous series by Dynamite this is simply the Main Cover version without the title and banners for $50 rather than $3.99! 

 

Dynamite Promotional Text:

 

It's the ultimate heavy metal crossover as the original shock rocker meets the original death metal comic book universe! Bizarre nightmares are plaguing Evil Ernie, Chastity and Purgatori, and though the hate each other's guts, they may have to join the teen monster team called The Chosen to find the one and only Alice Cooper!

 

Co-writer Tim Seeley says, "I'm excited to work with my friend Jim Terry on the perfect mash-up of our favorite things. Dynamite is a great place to make crossovers, and this one will be pure metal. Raise your devil hand, fiends."

 

Co-writer and artist Jim Terry says, "Diving headfirst into the CHAOS universe has been incredible, like being pushed out of a plane into a combat zone filled with gods, nut jobs and the most gorgeous women you could fathom. I'm doing my best to keep up with it and hopefully kick in a little dramatic flair, as well as Tim and my own particular brand of madness. Add Alice Cooper to the mix and we're hoping to leave fans breathless from action, horror and mind bending rock n roll surrealism.

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue Two

2015, Dynamite, 725130 239242 020 (11 and 21)

Issue two had two different covers (not including the Virgin Art edition), the 'Main Cover' and the 'Black and White Incentive Cover'.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

Chaos reigns as a plague of nightmares descends on the Alice Cooper concert in Milwaukee! But with Alice's supernatural powers on the fritz, he'll have to turn to the monsters for help! Meanwhile, Purgatori and Evil Ernie form an unholy alliance in search of Mr. Nice Guy!

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue Three

2015, Dynamite, 725130 239242 030 (11 and 21)

Issue three had two different covers (not including the Virgin Art edition), the 'Main Cover' and the 'Black and White Incentive Cover'.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

The Chosen are in hot pursuit of...a giant evil walking tree? Meanwhile, Ernie and Purgatori are "guests" of the maker of "Mr. Nice Guy" happy pills, and Alice Cooper must venture into the world of nightmares, without his powers!

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue Four

2015, Dynamite, 725130 239242 040 (11 and 21)

Issue four had two different covers (not including the Virgin Art edition), the 'Main Cover' and the 'Black and White Incentive Cover'.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

The Chosen are on the run from a monster tree, Evil Ernie and Purgatori are guinea pigs for a pharmaceutical company, and Alice Cooper is trapped in a horrific asylum by a familiar enemy! How does the old saying go? "It's always darkest before the dusk"?

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue Five

2016, Dynamite, 725130 239242 050 (11 and 21)

Issue five had two different covers (not including the Virgin Art edition), the 'Main Cover' and the 'Black and White Incentive Cover'.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

Alice Cooper discovers just how chaotic the Chaos! Universe can truly be, as he faces off against the horrific monsters of his own mind. Meanwhile, the Chosen tangle with a monstrous tree, while Evil Ernie is the prisoner of an even more evil pharmaceutical company! Can the unlikely alliances of Alice Cooper, the dream witch Vex, and the vampire assassin Chastity escape from a twisted nightmare realm and stop the badder guys from beating the bad guys?

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos, Issue Six

2016, Dynamite, 725130 239242 060 (11 and 21)

Issue six had two different covers (not including the Virgin Art edition), the 'Main Cover' and the 'Black and White Incentive Cover'.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

This is it! The union of Mistress Hel and "Evil" Alice Cooper has dominated the realm of nightmares, and it won't be long before they plunge the world into horror. The monsters of the Chaos! universe must rescue the real Alice and keep from killing each other long enough to save us all!

Alice Cooper Vs Chaos Compilation

2016, Dynamite, ISBN10: 1-60690-881-2

This nice compilation paperback features all six editions of the Alice Cooper Vs Chaos miniseries (see above). Prior to each edition is the standard cover, plus at the end are the two Comic-Con exclusive covers from Baltimore and New York. Other than that, there is nothing else of note.

Alice Cooper, Volume 2 Issue One

2023, Dynamite, 725130 33476 301 (011, 021, 031, 041, 051, 061, 071, 081, 101 and 131)

 

In 2023, Dynamite released a further comic book series featuring Alice Cooper. This series was subject to five editions and, as with the previous series, saw a number of different covers offered.

 

Issue one could be found in a ridiculous 15 different cover variants (see image below) ranging from about $5 to a whopping $100 (for the 'Metal Premium Cover' version). However, only five actually featured unique artwork (i.e. the others were all based around those core designs). I managed to track down 10 of them, which is more than enough I reckon! 

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

Legendary rock acts are finding themselves attacked by demonic forces. The police investigate, but there's little to nothing they can do to stop the problem.
 

At the same time, Alice Cooper has a new album out and is in the midst of a promotional tour. It's great to see all his fans again, but there's a disturbing trend happening in every city - more and more of his audience appear to be undead! Complicating matters, when he goes to bed at night he ventures into the Nightmare Place. When he awakens, he's in another city standing before a throng of fans, where he meets the Archangel Gabriel.
 

Gabriel tells him there's a great music club called Burning Meat where the souls of legendary musicians hang out, watching the headliner - Lucifer - play his own personal style of rock music to the raucous applause of the demons in attendance. Now, Lucifer wants to take the show to Earth and the only thing stopping him is... Alice freakin' Cooper!
 

Composed and arranged by writer RODNEY BARNES and artist EDU MENNA, this power anthem of an issue has its amps turned up to 11 with a trio of amazing covers from JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER (Rodney Barnes's collaborator on Killadelphia), the incredible STUART SAYGER, and master of horror ANDREW MANGUM - all capped off with a classic photo cover of the man himself: Alice Cooper!

Alice Cooper, Volume 2 Issue Two

2023, Dynamite, 725130 33476 302 (011, 021, 031, 041 ,051, 061, 071 and 081)

 
Issue two had 'just' 10 different covers, but only four featured unique artwork (i.e. the others were all based around those core designs). I managed to track down seven of them.
 
Dynamite promotional text:
 
Lucifer has set his sights on Alice Cooper, who performs his hits night after night to ravenous crowds and thunderous applause. Now, armed with a powerful instrument given to him by the angel Gabriel, Alice steps onto a new type of stage - one at the center of a very old battle between the darkness and the light! 
 
Written by RODNEY BARNES and illustrated by EDU MENNA, Alice Cooper #2 features a quartet of amazing covers from the incredible STUART SAYGER, the incomparable JAE LEE, the master of horror ANDREW MANGUM, and a classic photo of the ageless Alice himself!

Alice Cooper, Volume 2 Issue Three

2023, Dynamite, 725130 33476 303 (011, 021, 031 and 041)

 
Issue three had 'just' eight different covers, but only three featured unique artwork (i.e. the others were all based around those core designs). I managed to track down four of them.
 
Dynamite promotional text:
 
After two issues, it's time to hear Satan's side of the story, don't you agree? Well, he certainly thinks so... but Alice Cooper is here to keep the devil in check - with the power of rock and roll! As the two titans square off in this ultimate rock battle, the very fate of humanity hangs in the air between those last, lingering licks!
 
Written by RODNEY BARNES and illustrated by EDU MENNA, Alice Cooper #3 boasts a trio of amazing covers from the incredible STUART SAYGER, the master of horror ANDREW MANGUM, and a phenomenal photo featuring the man himself!

Alice Cooper, Volume 2 Issue Four

2024, Dynamite, 725130 33476 304 (011, 021, 031, 041 and 051)

 
Issue four had 'just' eight different covers, but only three featured unique artwork (i.e. the others were all based around those core designs). I managed to track down five of them.
 
Dynamite promotional text:
 
With his soul on the line, Alice Cooper readies himself for a no-holds-barred rock battle against the Prince of Darkness - and in a competition against the Father of Lies, Alice will need a little help from his friends. Luckily, he's on the side of the angels in this epic showdown between light and dark - but the Devil has never been known to play fair! 

Alice Cooper, Volume 2 Issue Five

2024, Dynamite, 725130 33476 305 (011, 021 and 031)

 

Issue four had 'just' eight different covers, but only three featured unique artwork (i.e. the others were all based around those core designs). I managed to track down three of them.

 

Dynamite promotional text:

 

The ultimate Battle of the Bands is on as Lucifer and Alice face off for the last time! No pressure - it's only the ultimate fate of humanity on the line!

Writer RODNEY BARNES and artist EDU MENNA deliver their ultimate showstopper with Alice Cooper #5, accompanied by cover bands STUART SAYGER, ANDREW MANGUM, and the ultimate frontman himself - ALICE COOPER!

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